Chapter 193

Chapter 193

Raise Three Idols Well And They’ll Launch a Confession Attack.

Episode 193: Director Seon

[Trigger a school violence controversy for ‘Yosea’ and create internal division among the Sabers members spreading rumors about Girl Revolution.]

[Quest Complete! You have received a ‘Buff Reward Choice Ticket’ as a reward.]

Seon Taeyang looked at the message that appeared and indifferently closed the window.

His demeanor was purely mechanical, without the slightest emotion.

As if he had done this countless times before.

Then, he took out the e-cigarette from the inner pocket of his suit and took a puff.

It was something he had bought on a whim—be it compromise, change of heart, or impulse—and used from time to time.

In a small balcony that barely fit two people, Seon Taeyang spent his time unconcerned about anyone’s gaze.

Then, the balcony door opened and the company’s President, Cheon Aram, stepped in.

Upon recognizing her face, Seon Taeyang started to put out his e-cigarette, but nodded when Cheon Aram told him it was fine.

“…”

Cheon Aram silently walked over beside him, leaned on the railing, and looked up at the sky.

The cloud-filled sky was ash gray.

A gray city, gray people, and the artificial fruity scent unique to e-cigarettes.

Just as the scene and the scent began to feel familiar, Cheon Aram spoke.

“The school violence controversy involving Yosea from Sabers—was that your doing, Director Seon?”

Turning his head away from her and exhaling smoke toward the sky, Seon Taeyang replied calmly.

“It’s unfortunate for Sabers, but how could I be the one to cause a school violence controversy? It was Miss Yosea’s mistake.”

“Really? Is that all there is to it?”

Cheon Aram tapped her nose and said,

“You know I know, right?”

Seeing that, Seon Taeyang let out a bitter smile and spoke again.

“…Truthfully, I never arrogantly thought I could keep it hidden from you, President Cheon.”

All he aimed for was to delay her realization.

“Yes, your suspicion is correct. Miss Yosea didn’t take part in the violence. Whether it was for self-preservation or conviction, she merely observed without getting involved. And soon, this fact will come to light—that while she stood by, she did not participate.”

However, since his objectives had already been achieved, he no longer intended to hide it.

“Rumors and controversies will continue, but eventually, her fans will accept it. Meanwhile, Sabers—who are challenging Girl Revolution’s seven-week streak at the top—will lose momentum. After all, being number one isn’t something fandom alone can achieve.”

“…Because being number one must be accompanied by public appeal. There are limits to selling to just the fandom.”

“Exactly. That’s why moral integrity is so important. In this case, Miss Yosea may feel wronged, but choosing good friends is just as crucial—to leave no room for doubt in the first place.”

“…”

“If they knew that I was the one who brought down Girl Revolution’s rival and divided their hostile fandom, they’d be furious—but what can I do? They won’t find out… and even if they do someday, it’ll be too late. Not that I left any loose ends for that to happen.”

As Seon Taeyang confessed, without emotion, that he had dropped the bomb dominating entertainment headlines, Cheon Aram spoke.

“What do you think you smell like right now, Director Seon?”

Momentarily pausing at the question, Seon Taeyang wiped away even the faintest smile and replied with bitterness lingering on his lips.

“Probably like a stench.”

“Hmm… Not wrong, but only half right.”

“Half, huh…? Then what’s the full answer?”

Their eyes met.

Looking into those dark eyes, Cheon Aram said calmly,

“The answer is half-and-half.”

“…Half-and-half? You mean both a stench and a scent at the same time?”

“Yep, exactly.”

Hearing her answer, Seon Taeyang pondered briefly and then got straight to the point.

“That feels a bit vague. Didn’t you previously describe the mixed smell of scent and stench from good people as ‘the smell of sweat’? Is this something different?”

“Yes, different. Smelling them mixed together and sensing them separately are totally different things.”

She cut off Seon Taeyang before he could ask how they differed.

“Of course, I’m not sure what it exactly means either. But there’s one thing I do know.”

With sympathy and concern in her eyes, she finally said what she had been meaning to.

“Director Seon, if you keep this up, the kids might end up resenting you.”

“…”

“It might be frustrating to hear this from someone like me, who benefits from your efforts. But more than those benefits, I hate the idea of the kids resenting you… Don’t you feel the same way?”

“I don’t care.”

Seon Taeyang said this with unwavering eyes.

“As long as those kids can rise to a higher place.”

Seri, a trainee who recently joined TwoBear through the public audition, was being taught practical knowledge—like shared practice room etiquette and evaluation criteria trainers value—by the good-natured senior trainee Jang Jinyu.

“Got all that so far?”

“Yes! I remember everything.”

“Okay, looks like you’re listening well, so it’s worth explaining… Now, let me tell you who you absolutely must not get on the wrong side of—people you should try to impress the most here.”

“People I need to impress? Shouldn’t I just try to be nice to everyone who works here?”

At that, senior trainee Jang Jinyu let out a short gasp and said,

“Phew, if only all the newbies thought like you. Sometimes you get kids who act like they’re already idols just because they became trainees—ranking people and ignoring those they think are beneath them.”

“Ugh… Definitely not someone I’d want to be friends with.”

“Hearing you talk like that, I doubt you’ll be a problem—but still, I’ll tell you anyway, because these are the actual power players in TwoBear.”

At Jang Jinyu’s words, Seri tilted her head and said,

“Power players? You mean the company President?”

“Well, of course, the President is one—but you as a trainee probably won’t interact with her much. So we’ve got to focus on the others who really matter to us.”

Jang Jinyu raised three fingers and folded one down as she spoke.

“First is Director Oh James, who oversees A&R. If you care about music at all, you should already know him—he’s made so many hit songs it’s a mystery why he’s even at a company like TwoBear. Now it’s a big agency, sure, but back when they only had Girl Revolution? It was nothing.”

“Why did someone like that join this company?”

“Hmm… I’m not totally sure either, but I once got to chat with senior Yoori about it, and she said he joined because work is basically a hobby for him.”

Hearing that, Seri shuddered a little and said,

“Work is his hobby? Sounds terrifying.”

“Exactly. He’s that serious about his work—so if you can’t impress him with your skills, you might as well give up on getting a good song.”

Seeing Seri look tense, as if this were all very daunting, Jang Jinyu folded her second finger and continued.

“Second is Director Seo Soo-yeon, who handles all finances. Even to us, her degrees and credentials are unreal. I heard she’s gotten tons of scout offers from huge financial firms.”

“Wow… That’s incredible.”

“Right? And it’s not just her resume—she has serious power now. She oversees investment for every project in TwoBear. So obviously you want to stay on her good side. But also, she basically acts as the President’s right-hand person, so however you come off to her is exactly how you’ll come off to President Cheon Aram… Need I say more?”

Seeing Seri nod eagerly in understanding, Jang Jinyu folded her last finger and introduced the most important person.

“And lastly, someone you probably already—”

At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and a man walked out.

All of TwoBear’s attention immediately focused on him.

Senior employees greeted him warmly, while junior ones bowed deeply.

Watching the man who instantly pulled the whole company’s atmosphere toward him, Jang Jinyu finally said his name.

“That’s Director Seon Taeyang.”

“…”

“He’s the one who, despite having no foundation and facing tons of controversies, brought Girl Revolution to the top. Then he launched the boy group Ashd and the project group Girls in Road—every one of them a hit. He’s undeniably the biggest reason TwoBear became what it is today.”

“I know. I’ve seen him on TV since I was a kid.”

“Right? He’s one of the few people who truly deserve to be called a star manager. His playful yet respectful way of speaking, the way he always lifts up others instead of himself—it always makes for great variety show appearances. Thanks to that image, he still has three regular TV shows. And apparently, he’s also insanely talented in composing and music, so he gets tons of collaboration offers.”

And as Jang Jinyu looked at the man, her cheeks were oddly flushed.

“With all those accomplishments tied to him, he naturally holds the most influence here after the President. I’ve even heard rumors that he might become the vice president. On top of that, he’s incredibly gentlemanly and cool… Anyway, no matter what, he’s someone you absolutely have to impress.”

Seri watched Seon Taeyang as he acknowledged the greetings from employees and walked off in a hurry somewhere.

His black, deep eyes seemed to pull you in—his gaze and lips were decadent, cold, yet undeniably captivating.

That version of him was far from the playful, kind older-brother type she’d seen on variety shows. He now looked serious—borderline ruthless.

‘What kind of thoughts does someone like that live with?’

As she silently questioned herself, Seri looked at Seon Taeyang solemnly walking out and came to a conclusion.

‘Yeah, he’s probably calm and calculating, always thinking about the company’s future.’

After leaving TwoBear and arriving at the meeting spot, Seon Taeyang spotted Oh Yoori and practically screamed,

“Yoori, I’m so fucking screwed!”

He was the farthest thing from calm and composed.